Islam was present in China from the seventh century AD (first century AH), though it is not known when local, Chinese-speaking Muslim communities became established. Once they did become established, perhaps as early as the tenth century, they passed down their traditions in Arabic and Persian for several hundred years. It was not until 1642 that a Muslim author, Wang Tai-yü, published a book in Chinese explaining the theory and practice of Islam. A series of outstanding Muslim scholars followed in his footsteps, until well into the nineteenth century.¹